How to Interline Curtains
Interlining is a flannel-like, napped cotton material used between the face fabric and lining of a curtain. It adds body, drapability, insulation and protection to the curtains. It can be used with any fabrics to add a substantial and luxurious feel. It is especially important to interline silk fabrics to add protection from sunlight. Interlining a curtain panel adds an extra step to the sewing process but the result is a professional look. Drapery panels as well as valances benefit from interlining. These instructions use a plain drapery panel with a flat heading to show you how to accomplish this task.
- Measure distance from bottom edge of drapery pole ring to floor. Subtract 1 inch. This is your finished length. Add 12 inches to finished length measurement to achieve cut length measurement. Example: 91 inches less 1 inch equals 90 inches plus 12 inches equals 102 inches cut length.
- Cut face fabric to the new measurement length (102 inches in the example).
- Cut lining 4 inches narrower and 3 inches shorter than face fabric.
- Cut interlining the same as lining.
- Lay interlining on wrong side of lining. Work with lining and interlining as if they are one piece from now on.
- Turn up a 3 inch double hem on lining/interlining. (Fold up 3 inches and then fold up again to form double hem.) Pin in place. Sew through all thicknesses.
- Turn up a 4 inch double hem on face fabric. Pin in place. Machine sew or hand sew hem in place.
- Lay face fabric and linings right sides together. Align top of hems. The lining hem should be 1 inch shorter than face fabric hem. Pin side edges. Sew, using ½ inch seam allowance. Stop sewing at top of hems.
- Turn curtain right sides out. Because the linings are narrower than the face, the side edges will roll to the lining side. This forms the side hems. Press.
- Slipstitch the bottom hems at side edges, leaving the two hems free across the width of the panel. (You can miter the hem corners for a neat look.)
- At the top of the panel, fold 1/2 inch of fabric to the lining side. Press. Fold 3 1/2 inches to the lining side, forming the flat header. Stitch in place, sewing through all thicknesses.
- Place drapery pins, clip-on rings or sew-on rings at even intervals across the header. It is normal to have seven rings per single-width panel. Hang curtain on rod.
Things You Will Need
- Sewing machine
- Measuring tape
- 54 inch wide decorator fabric
- 54 inch wide drapery lining
- 54 inch wide interlining
- Scissors
- Thread
- Pins
- Flat surface
Tips
- To embellish a flat header panel, sew trim along the stitching line at top of panel.
- To make a cuffed panel, cut fabric 4 inches longer than the cut length measurement and fold flat header down toward face fabric, forming a cuff. Attach rings at fold.
- If you are using rings with an eyelet, drapery pins make hanging the curtain easy. Just slip the hook end through the eyelet.